Trip Overview

Oman, the most beautiful of the Gulf States boasts a rich culture and ancient heritage waiting to be discovered during this one week cultural adventure. Starting off in the capital of Muscat, here we gaze in awe at the Grand Mosque, wander through the colourful Mutrah Souq and see the Omani capital and coastline through seafarers eyes on a traditional dhow cruise. No visit to Oman is complete without exploring their magnificent landscapes on offer; camp and 4WD in the dunes of the Wahiba Sands; marvel at stunning views over the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia' from Jebel Shams, Oman's highest mountain; wade in the cooling, turquoise waters of some of the land's most idyllic desert oasis' and uncover the historic forts before witnessing the weekly live auction cattle market in Nizwa, an event not to be missed!

At a Glance

5 nights hotels & 1 night desert camp, all en suite

Travel by air-conditioned minibus and 4WD

Group normally 4 to 15 plus leader. Min age 16 yrs

Trip Highlights

See Muscat's Grand Mosque and colourful Mutrah Souq

Camp and 4WD in the dunes at Wahiba Sands

Enjoy spectacular views from Jebel Shams over the Grand Canyon of Arabia

Witness the unmissable weekly live auction cattle market in Nizwa

Discover Nizwa's 17th Century fort

Swim in the turquoise, cool waters of Wadi Bani Khalid

Visit a Bedouin family and enjoy Kahwa (Omani local coffee)

Take a cruise on a traditional Dhow boat

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 1- Leisurely

This is a busy itinerary that visits the main highlights of Oman with a focus on providing a real taste of all this country has to offer. We travel by private air-conditioned minibus and 4WD throughout the tour. Although this is a cultural trip, some days can be long and tiring and there is some walking involved so a reasonable level of fitness is required. The people of Oman offer a very warm welcome to tourists. Oman is hot during the day so care should be taken to drink lots of water and to stay hydrated.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Group

The trip will be led by a local Omani leader.

Adult min age:

16

Min group size:

4

Max group size:

15

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City:

Muscat

End City:

Muscat

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1

Start Muscat; afternoon Dhow cruise and visit Mutrah Souq

Land only clients should arrive into Muscat and at the start hotel before midday in order to ensure you are able to join the main group briefing and the dhow cruise later in the afternoon.

In the afternoon after a main group briefing, we will be picked up from our hotel and travel through the old part of Muscat and have a photo stop at the Sultan's palace. Afterwards, we visit the Siban Women's association where there is the opportunity to interact with the local woman and enjoy a coffee together before transferring to the marina to embark on a relaxed dhow cruise (traditional fisherman's boat). See the Muscat coast through the eyes of ancient seafarers who plied this route for centuries. During the cruise, soft drinks, tea, coffee and dates will be served on board.

During the evening, we stop at a local restaurant for dinner and will be transported back through the centuries on a visit to the bustling, colourful Mutrah Souq. Here there will be lots of photo opportunities and chance to observe the local way of life whilst wandering around this vibrant traditional Arab market.

Ramee Guestline Hotel or similar

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and visit the Grand Mosque, the highlight of the Omani capital.

Completed in 2001, the Grand Mosque is a beautiful building which looks modern but shows that modern craftsmen have retained the skills necessary to create this wonderful traditional environment. The handmade carpets, the chandeliers, the ceiling of the great dome in the main prayer room are absolute 'must sees'. Kindly note, ladies should be fully covered and please carry a head scarf and men should wear trousers.

We then drive (approx.1.5 hours) to the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom and Wadi Shaab where we enjoy a walk and picnic lunch before transferring (approx. 1 hour) to our hotel in Sur, where we will be spending the night.

This evening after an early dinner, we’ll drive (approx. 1 hour) to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. Oman is a vital area for Green turtles in the Indian Ocean and the Green Back turtle are heavily protected by the government of Oman. In fact, over 275 of the Sultanate's beaches double-up as nesting grounds for five of the seven recognized species of sea turtles, the most common being the Green Back turtle.

Here we are led to the beach by an ecologist to see the female turtles return to their beach to lay eggs. (Please note that the main nesting season is June-August, at other times of the year, there may or not be turtles every night but a visit to the reserve is still worthwhile).

Sur Plaza or similar

Meals included:

Breakfast,

Lunch,

Dinner

Day 3

Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid, swim in the turquoise pools and enjoy a picnic lunch. Continue to Wahiba Sands and explore the spectacular dunes. Overnight in desert camp

This morning after breakfast, we first transfer (approx. 1 hour and 45 min) to the desert oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid to relax a bit and enjoy a swim in the beautiful turquoise pools and a picnic lunch before continuing (approx. 1-1.5 hours) to the Wahiba Desert.

Here, on the edge of the desert, we change vehicles from the minibus to 4WDs to begin our desert experience.

The Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand and dunes rising up to 200 meters are also host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. We further drive towards the dunes and our desert camp (approx. 1 hour) to check in for the evening.

During our time at the camp, there is the chance to take a camel ride (optional- extra cost).

1000 Nights Camp or similar

Meals included:

Breakfast,

Lunch,

Dinner

Day 4

Morning visit to a Bedouin family and enjoy Omani coffee; visit Birkat al Mouz and walk through its oasis and date plantations; onto Nizwa

Breakfast at camp before checking out and driving towards the ancient city of Nizwa, Oman's former capital.

En-route we visit a Bedouin family, and enjoy Kahwa (local Omani Coffee) and spend some time with them learning about their customs and traditional way of life.

We’ll continue our drive via Birkat al Mouz, one of the region's most well known village ruin. We’ll walk through its oasis and date plantations before continuing to Nizwa. With the 2 sets of ruins, a large banana plantation and the scenic surroundings, the site is also home to the old Falaj irrigation system listed as UNESCO World heritage.

Upon arrival in Nizwa, we check into our hotel where we will spend the next two nights.

Tanuf Residency Hotel or similar

Meals included:

Breakfast,

Dinner

Day 5

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a short drive (approx. 30 minutes) to visit Jabrin, the finest of Oman’s castles built in the late 17th century, which became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting & beautifully executed woodcarvings.

We also pause at the Bahla Fort for a photo, the only UNESCO listed fort in the country and lovingly restored over many years before transferring (approx.1.5 hours) to Wadi Nakher, located in the depth's of Oman's deepest canyon. Here we enjoy a picnic lunch before proceeding to Jebel Shams, Oman's highest mountain and where we can enjoy spectacular views of the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia.'

Later in the afternoon we visit (transfer pprox. 45 minutes) to the village of Misfat Al Arbayeen, passing the ruins of an old fort on the way. We continue through narrow alleys between old stone houses and take a short walk in the Tanoof old abandoned village before returning back (approx. 30 minutes) to Nizwa for the evening.

Tanuf Residency Hotel or similar

Meals included:

Breakfast,

Lunch,

Dinner

Day 6

See Nizwa's famous cattle auction market, fort and Souq; continue to Nakhal fort and hot spring; back to Muscat for final evening

Today is a longer day and we start our morning with a visit Nizwa's famous live cattle auction market, the one day of the week where this ancient city truly comes alive which sees farmers and traders arrive from near and afar to barter and trade in one of the Middle East's most renowned markets.

We’ll visit the impressive Nizwa Fort, built in the 17th century to defend the city’s natural wealth and its strategic location. Later we visit Nizwa's renowned Souq, famous for intricately hand-carved “Khanjars” (daggers) & ornamental silver jewelry and live-stock trading.

Departing Nizwa, we continue to Wadi Bani Auf; this stretch of graded road is very adventurous as it involves steep bends and bumpy roads. When there is wet weather conditions, it may not be possible to drive this section of graded road due to safety. If this occurs, an alternative stretch of road will be driven.

Then stop at the charming mountain village of Bilad Sayt where one is awestruck by the beauty of the landscape.

This afternoon we stop for a photo stop at the Nakhal Fort and hot spring. The exact date in which this ancient fort was built is unknown, but many believe that it was built in pre-Islamic times, more than 1500 years ago.

We then transfer back to Muscat for our final evening in Oman's capital city.

Ramee Guestline Hotel or similar

Meals included:

Breakfast,

Dinner

Day 7

End Muscat

For land only clients the tour ends this morning after breakfast.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels and desert camp

Throughout the tour you will spend 5 nights in comfortable hotels and 1 night in a tradtional Bedouin style tent at a desert camp in Wahiba Sands. All accommodation offers en suite facilities.

All accommodation has air-conditioning except the Sheikh tent where a Bedouin experience is maintained. Temperatures in the desert at night tend to be a lot cooler than elsewhere, so air-conditioning during the evening at the camp is not necessary.

At the desert camp all tents are equipped with bedding and proper beds, plug sockets, electricity (from a generator) and have a ceiling fan, kettle, tea/coffee, minibar and towels. The en suite bathrooms attached to the Sheikh tents at the desert camp include a flushing western style toilet, sink and shower with open views up to the sky. It is recommended to pack a torch as there is limited lighting at night between tents and the main restaurant area.

Please be advised that the accommodation listed in each location on the day to day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.

Some hotels visited on the itinerary do have swimming pools.

With accommodation in Oman, couples may be automatically allocated twin beds rather than doubles, unless requested otherwise, particularly unmarried couples. Please advise us a time of booking if you are travelling as a couple and would like to specifically request a double bed.

Single supplements are available (on request) and are valid for all 6 nights during the tour. Please enquire at time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Single supplement from £310.00

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners are included.

Omani cuisine is influenced by Arab, Persian, Indian, Asian, Eastern Mediterranean, and African cuisine. Rice is a staple dish and often includes a variety of flavours and ingredients and meat such as chicken, fish and lamb feature prominently. Dishes are full of rich mixtures of spices, herbs and marinades. Dates are much loved and are an essential part of the Omani diet.

Curry, soups, fresh salads, and vegetable dishes are all very common. Coffee is the national beverage but tea is also drunk. Yoghurt drinks and softs drinks are also popular. Alcohol is not readily available but can be purchased in some hotels and likely to be quite expensive.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste and experience a variety of dishes and eat in local eateries and restaurants. Included lunches will be picnic lunches and other meals will be eaten in local cafes/eateries. The night spent at the desert camp will also include a BBQ with traditional dishes.

Non-Muslims are permitted to bring in two litres of alcohol by air only. Care must be taken not to cause offence through the use of alcohol and should not be consumed in public places apart from licensed premises, such as hotels & restaurants.

Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.

Transportation

Throughout the tour, we will travel in air-conditioned mini-buses and 4WDs. Road conditions in Oman are generally very good, but there will be some bumby driving experienced when driving off road in 4WDs and over the dunes in Wahiba Sands. Distances and transfer times are relatively short with the longest drive during the tour being approximately 3.5 hours long.

Weather & Seasonality

Weather Information

Temperatures and humidity are high throughout the year on the coast. From May to September is the hottest season, so we avoid scheduling trips at this time of year. Temperatures rise even higher inland, but here humidity is lower so higher temperatures are more tolerable and nights are cooler. In spring and autumn expect sunny weather throughout, with warm to hot days (around 35 degrees celcius) and pleasant night time temperatures. There is little chance of any rain except from December to February. February will be about 5-10 degrees celcius cooler. In December days are warm (20-25 C).

Weather Charts

Joining Instructions

Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days

The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.

Flights from London

We normally use the scheduled services of Oman Air (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.

Travelling land only: 7 days starting and ending in Muscat

Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Muscat before the late afternoon on Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.

Land only clients should arrive into Oman and be at the start hotel by the early afternoon on Day 1 to meet with the group and to ensure you don't miss out on the included afternoon Dhow Cruise. We recommend booking flights that arrive into Muscat before midday.

If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check-in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1.5 hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Transfers Details

Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it.

If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight- please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.

Location start:

Muscat

Location end:

Muscat

What to Take

Essential Equipment

Please remember that Oman is a Muslim country and so modest dress is required. Your leader will advise and at any time if you are unsure but below are some guidelines:

Dress code for Women - whilst long sleeves and full length skirts/trousers are preferred, trousers/skirts below the knee and short sleeved T-shirts are acceptable for tourists in most places but shoulders should always be covered and necklines should be modest. Tight-fitted, or transparent clothing should be avoided altogether. At religious sites such as mosques women need to have full length bottoms and sleeves and will be required to wear a head a scarf.

Dress code for Men - long shorts (knee length minimum) and Long trousers are suitable. Mosques - long trousers and sleeves and enclosed shoes.

Dress code for Swimming- For swimming, at hotel pools a swimming costume or bikini are fine (costume preferable to bikini). For swimming at the wadi, it is offensive to locals to wear costumes/bikinis, however pools further up the wadi are more secluded and it is tolerated. If you wish to swim in the nearer pools in the wadi, these are popular with locals and you must therefore wear trousers/leggings and a t-shirt.

Shoes should be removed before entering a home or mosque.

It is advisable to bring something to adequately protect your camera from sand

Comfortable walking shoes

Towel for swimming in the wadi

Daypack

Fleece or jacket for if temperartures drop in the evening, especially in the desert

Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses

Refillable water bottle (1-2 litre capacity)

Torch for the desert camp and turtle viewing

Wet wipes/anti-bacterial hand gel

A first aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own first aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters and a blister treatment kit.

Insect repellent is also highly recommended. Repellent containing DEET is thought to be highly effective.

Practical Information

Passport

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

If you’re travelling as a tourist, you can apply for an unsponsored visa. E-visa applications are usually approved within 1-3 working days but we suggest applying 1-2 weeks before your trip as occasionally there can be delays. A digital copy/scan of the photo page of your passport and a digital passport photograph are required for the E-visa application. Please see the Oman Police website for further criteria. Digital passport photos are available from most high street photo printing companies. Once approved, tourist visas are valid for 30 days from the date of issue so you cannot apply for your visa too far in advance.

As this information may change we advise you to check with the Embassy before travel.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Vaccination

Oman

In Oman, some medication requires a doctor's letter or a prescription to be carried with you when travelling into and around the country. If you’re travelling to Oman with prescription drugs, carry a copy of the prescription. Please check with your closest Omani embassy or consulate for further details.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of the UK, North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend the Exodus travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time

Oman's Timezone:

Asia/Muscat +04 (GMT +04:00)

Electricity

Money

Oman's Currency

The national currency of Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication (October 2018) of approximately 0.50 to the GBP, 0.38 to the USD, 0.29 to the CAD, 0.44 to the EUR, 0.27 to the AUD and 0.24 to the NZD.

ATM Availability

ATMs are available in the main towns and after baggage collection on arrival into Muscat airport. Visa/Mastercard or American Express are the most widely used cards at ATMs.

It is possible to get Omani Rials in advance. If bringing cash, this can as this can be exchanged easily at the airport or in Muscat at the Souk.

On departure you can change any unused Rials back into international currencies in the departure terminal at the airport once you clear immigration and security.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You will need about 60 GBP/75 USD for all other meals, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover drinks and souvenirs.

Whilst most meals are included on this trip, there are some dinners and lunches that are not included. Alcohol is not readily available but can be purchased in some hotels and restaurants; it is likely to be quite expensive.

You may wish to also purchase many souvernirs in the souqs that are visited throughout the tour.

Optional Excursions

Camel ride at desert camp

15-20 min ride inside camp- USD 15

1 hour ride outside camp in desert- USD 80

Tipping

Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Although accepted as part of the local culture, tipping is entirely at your discretion for both the leader and the local staff.

The leader can advise how much to tip and this can ease the confusion and embarrassment of not knowing how much or how little to tip local staff.

Many clients also wish to tip their leaders and driver at the end of the trip if they are happy with the service received; we suggest around GPB 20- 25 (USD 25- 30) per person for the leader and approximately GBP 10-15 (USD 15-20) per person to be shared between the driver/s. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader and driver at the end of the week with two separate envelopes (one for the leader and one for the driver). This is of course entirely at your discretion and to be used as a guideline only.

Responsible Tourism

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Exodus Community

Join the Exodus online community

Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment.

In the Community Travel Forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition.

To make full use of the Community you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for?

Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 16 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent.

TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the NHS have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/

Please note, although this trip doesn’t visit any FCO no-go areas, it does visit a region close to an area where the advice is not to travel. If joining this trip, or if planning any additional travel pre or post tour in the area, you should ensure you visit their website to familiarise yourself with the advice. Any independent travel to these areas is entirely at your own risk and is likely not to be covered by your insurance.

How to Book

1. Check availability

Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.

2. Secure your place

You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.

3. Complete your booking and payment

When you're ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA ‐ The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected.

TRIP NOTE VALIDITY

These Trip Notes are valid from the "Current as" date on page one. They will occasionally be updated post booking and pre-departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary bookers will be written to separately. All customers will also receive a link to the most up-to-date version of the Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions pre-travel.